The more I look at today's Champion Hurdle the harder I find it to get away from the chances of Punjabi.
The reigning champ has been slow to come to hand this season, but showed plenty of his old sparkle when scoring a facile success at Kempton last time out.
That victory left Barry Geraghty eulogizing over his chances of retaining his crown, and Nicky Henderson's charge has been trained to the minute with this race in mind.
he Lambourn maestro has proved time and time again that he is the master at getting his horses to peak at just the right time, and Punjabi reminds me very much of his triple Champion Hurdle winner See You Then who didn't show much in his prep runs but was unbeatable come the big day.
To me Punjabi has the best CV of any horse in the race, yet people are quick to dismiss his chances because of his style of racing.
He's a grinder and doesn't possess that devastating turn of foot that "real stars" are seen as having.
But I would far rather have a horse with his attributes any day of the week rather than a flashy type who has ability but doesn't always produce.
Punjabi's record in the Champion Hurdle is outstanding. He finished third to Katchit in 2008, when in my opinion given too much to do, and then out battled Celestial Halo, Binocular et al to land the spoils last year.
He has nothing to fear from any of his rivals who re-oppose today, loves Cheltenham and will relish the good going.
At the odds on offer I rate him cracking value. I simply cannot see him finishing out of the frame and strongly believe he is the one they all have to beat.
The biggest dangers looks to be Solwhit, Go Native and Khyber Kim.
The former has done nothing wrong this season but the fact that it was touch and go about him making the line-up after scoping dirty at the end of last week has to be a major concern and he cannot be backed with confidence as a result.
Noel Meade's Go Native is chasing a £1 million bonus offered by WBX after winning the Fughting Fith in terrific style and then follwoing up in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. He will relish the good ground and has a potent turn of foot when coming off a strong pace.
The only problem is that he has only one burst of spped and will need holding up until the latest possible moment. If Paul Carberry goes to soon then I can see him being outbattled on the run in.
Khyber Kim has been rejuvenated by Nigel Twiston-Davies, and the form of his victory over Celestial Halo in the Boylesports looks rock solid. He is reported to be in "great nick" and will be difficult to keep out of the frame.
Recommended bets (Already advised ante post): 3pts each-way Punjabi 16-1, 10pts each-way Solwhit 6-1
